Much to the Grinch’s delight, Christmas celebrations were officially banned during the Soviet era. Much to the Grinch’s dissatisfaction, contemporary Ukrainians are making up for lost Christmases by celebrating twice: once on December 24 and officially on January 7. The good old habit of partying on New Year’s Eve is still alive and well, and if you happen to be in Kyiv, expect plenty of decorated trees, massive firework displays and enough vodka to send Did Moroz (Grandfather Frost, a.k.a Santa Clause) to an early grave.
Locals usually spend New Year’s Eve with family and friends eating massive portions of scrumptious festive dishes, exchanging presents and partying until the sun comes up. Thousands are expected to join the traditional outdoor party on
Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square), and with hundreds of business owners already in place protesting the country’s new tax code, celebrations at the capital’s main square should be extra special this year. Getting a table at a popular restaurant or club can be tricky - many have been booked for months - but don’t get discouraged, these things have a magical way of working their way out. According to local tradition, if you make a wish when the clock strikes twelve and then drink the champagne in your glass to the final drop, your wish will come true.
Christmas in Ukraine is officially celebrated on January 7, the date designated by the Ukrainian Orthodox calendar. Festivities begin on Christmas Eve (Sviat Vechir) with Holy Supper (Sviata Vecheria). Family and friends come together to feast on an eye-popping, belly-busting assortment of no less than 12 dishes including the mandatory Kuti - porridge prepared with a special syrup of honey, grated poppy seeds, raisins and walnuts. Enjoy!
The In Your Pocket team would like to wish you
Z Novym Rokom (Happy New Year) and Z Rizdvom (Merry Christmas)!
Latest Kyiv (Kiev) Comments:
Lucky Pub
This place is really nice fantastic atmosphere delicious food great service and affordable prices....Han Gang
Free wifi. The Slavutich hotel wifi is quite expensive but at Han Gang you get free wifi and also delicious Korean food....Kiev Apartments
I'd like to thank KIYP for the contact provided. These guys have been really helpful to me during my last stay in Kyiv....Vesuvio Pizza
It´s a very good nice and cosy place. Don´t expect to much but the dishes are reasonably priced and tasty....Celentano
The pizza is not bad at all and is more along the lines of American pizza with a thicker breadier crust than Italian pizza....Arizona BBQ
Best burger and fried chicken in Kiev !!!! 3 different NFL Games each Sunday...D'Lux Kiev Hostel
Brilliant place to stay REALLY helpful young and friendly staff who made our stay perfect and went out of their way to help us plan great nights out food and activities....Hankookkwan
At the present time there are no Japanese dishes (August 2011). They lost their Japanese chef during a period in which the restaurant was temporarily closed....Shangrila
I like this place. Nice atmosphere food is usually very tasty and prices are very reasonable. The only thing is that service can be on the slow side but it is usually worth the wait....Tequila House
Most overpriced restaurant in Kiev. Food is not spicy actually a bit bland. Would not recommend at all....Tike
Nothing special. Was disappointed with both service and price and size of servings. Nice decor and mood but would not return....Oliva
I like Oliva restaurant because it reminds me of the typical neighborhood restaurants in the USA good selections fresh salad and vegetables which hard to get in Ukraine and priced right....Il Patio
I ate at Il Patio for the first time four years ago it was good food quality and value wise. I usually used it several times during my frequent visits to kiev....Celentano
well this is no Italian Pizza it's a Russian Pizza if you want to fill on cheap food then go there....Golf Centre Kiev (Obolon’)
hiThe driving range is nice but expensive compared to Western Europe ranges of similar standard.There are at least 2 real golf courses in Kiev too....